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The 5 Best Waterfront Restaurants in Sarasota
Heading out on a yacht charter in Sarasota and want to wrap it up with a dockside dinner, or are you just searching around to find the best waterfront restaurants in the area? Either way, you’re in the right place!
Whether you’re looking to spoil your significant other, toast to good times with friends, or discuss business over a bite, Sarasota’s waterfront dining scene provides abundant gourmet options with unmatched views.
However, this wide array comes with the challenge of finding the best ones. Although a day charter with us at CYM Charters won’t take you to these locations, we’re here to guide you to the best options. Here’s our list of the top five Sarasota waterfront restaurants!
Ready? Let’s dig in!
Credit: Dry Dock Waterfront Grill
1. Dry Dock Waterfront Grill
Our first recommendation is the Dry Dock Waterfront Grill on Longboat Key, just minutes from Downtown Sarasota. This restaurant boasts breathtaking views of Sarasota’s waters and offers a diverse menu of locally sourced seafood, grilled cuisines, and refreshing cocktails.
Upon arrival, find your way to the outdoor patio overlooking Sarasota Bay with the Ringling Museum and the New College of Florida across. Known for its “polished casual” vibe, Dry Dock is ideal for festive sunset dinners with friends as well as intimate evenings with your loved one.
The menu is a seafood lover’s dream, featuring everything from the mouthwatering Coconut Shrimp served with a pina colada sauce to the popular seafood linguine with sautéed lobster, shrimp, and crab meat. If you’re going to the Dry Dock, don’t leave without trying their famous lobster roll!
30-50$
Seafood
Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key
Credit: Suntex Marina
2. Marina Jack
Marina Jack on the Downtown Sarasota Bayfront is the place to be for a more vibrant dinner. This iconic restaurant offers various atmospheres that suit any occasion, from the casual vibe of the Blue Sunshine Patio and Deep Six Piano Bar and Lounge to the sophisticated Dining Room on the second floor.
We prefer the second-floor Dining Room, where you can savor a meal while watching the sunset over the intercoastal waterway of Sarasota, with cool breezes from the Gulf of Mexico. The menu is a delightful mix of prime steaks, locally sourced seafood, and pasta, perfectly paired with your choice from their award-winning wine list.
Can’t decide on what to order? You won’t regret trying the Braised Boneless Short Rib, served with mushrooms and a red wine demi-glace—it’s out of this world!
50-100$
American, Bar, Seafood
Marina Plaza, Sarasota
Credit: Southwest Florida
3. Ophelia’s on the Bay
Ophelia’s on the Bay, located on the southern tip of Siesta Key, offers a dining experience like no other. Celebrated for its romantic setting, Ophelia’s impresses with a refined menu, white tablecloth service, and panoramic Intracoastal waterway views.
This restaurant is considered one of Sarasota’s best fine dining spots. Its sophisticated vibe is paired with stunning views of Little Sarasota Bay from the dining room’s floor-to-ceiling windows. Notably, Ophelia’s has been recognized as the number one dock-and-dine restaurant in America by Power and Motoryacht Magazine.
The menu changes nightly, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients with a selection of fish and meats locally sourced or flown in from around the globe. We highly recommend the Yellowtail Snapper, featuring a coconut and macadamia crust, tropical fruit jam, sriracha potatoes, and crispy plantain chips. And if there’s room for dessert, you must try their Key Lime Pie!
50-100$
American, International, Seafood
Midnight Pass, Siesta Key
Credit: Sarasota Herald-Tribune
4. Pop’s Sunset Grill
Pop’s Sunset Grill is ideal for those seeking a tropical getaway vibe. Located along the Intracoastal Waterway, just across from Nokomis Beach at Casey Key, Pop’s brings an authentic island ambiance to your dining experience. Spanning 4,000 square feet and multiple levels, this Tiki-themed restaurant offers stunning views of the Intracoastal.
Pop’s combines tiki and dockside dining, where you can enjoy live music and the gentle Gulf breezes while savoring a meal by the water. Find a spot in the outdoor dining area, order a refreshing island cocktail, and let the sight of dolphins playing in the water set the tropical tone for your dinner.
Explore the menu with locally sourced seafood, classic American fare, and delectable grilled options. Favorites include the Coconut Shrimp starter, with five large, golden-fried shrimp served with a Coco Dijon sauce, and the Chicken Piccata, featuring a lightly floured chicken breast topped with lemon butter and capers.
If time permits, linger longer for one last drink at the fire pit while enjoying the live entertainment!
20-50$
American, Bar, Seafood
Circuit Rd, Nokomis
Credit: Visit Florida
5. The Crow’s Nest
Last on our list is Venice Island’s Crow’s Nest Restaurant, Tavern & Marina. This waterfront restaurant suits any occasion, whether you’re in the mood for a casual bite downstairs—where you can enjoy one of the best burgers in town—or a more sophisticated dinner upstairs in the main dining room.
The Crow’s Nest has been a landmark for Venice’s Waterfront since 1976, celebrated for its fresh seafood, steaks, and classic cocktails, all served with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. With its full-service marina, the restaurant lets you watch boats glide by as you enjoy a relaxed and delightful dinner.
The menu offers everything from classic steaks to seafood and, the best of both worlds, a delicious surf and turf. Our top recommendation? Start with Gulf Oysters and Clams Casino, paired with a glass of white wine from their list, before diving into the Key Largo Grouper—a dish featuring seared grouper, shrimp, sea scallops, mushrooms, and a citrus beurre blanc sauce.
50-100$
American, Bar, Seafood
Tarpon Center Dr, Venice
Feeling hungry?
Well, all that’s left to do is gather your crew, choose your ideal yacht, and prepare for a perfect day on the water before having a meal at one of Sarasota’s finest waterfront restaurants.
Our top recommendation is the 2019 Prestige 630, affectionately named “Princess Abu II.” This stunning yacht accommodates up to 12 guests and features plenty of sunbathing space, a retractable sunroof, a swim platform, and rear zone speakers, making it perfect for any occasion.
Spend your day alternating between soaking up the sun and refreshing swims, or take advantage of the onboard water toys, including two inflatable paddleboards and a lily pad. With three spacious cabins and three heads, you’ll enjoy maximum comfort and convenience during your charter.
At CYM Charters, we combine local expertise with a passion for customizing your Sarasota yacht charter experience. Our diverse fleet offers a range of options so you can select the perfect vessel tailored to your specific needs.
Browse our fleet and book your next adventure today—we’re excited to create an unforgettable day on the water for you!
Disclaimer: CYM Charters does not offer direct transportation to these restaurants. This article provides recommendations to enhance your overall Sarasota experience.